![]() ![]() As scaffold-free approaches lack the exogenous material of scaffold-based approaches, the resulting engineered cartilages (neocartilages) commonly require large cell numbers. To make a clinically relevant scaffold-free tissue, TE considerations must include cell sourcing, stimulation of tissue-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and tissue organization. A new, scaffold-free paradigm consists of just cells and signals. The traditional scaffold-based tissue engineering paradigm consists of cells, signals, and scaffolds. Inasmuch as scaffold-based musculoskeletal tissue engineering approaches have been employed as a paradigm to generate engineered cartilages with appropriate functional properties, scaffold-free approaches are emerging as promising elements of a translational pathway not only for musculoskeletal cartilages but for other tissues as well. The concept of combining scaffold-free and scaffold-based tissue engineering methods to address clinical needs is also discussed. Factors that enhance the matrix production and mechanical properties of these engineered cartilages are also reviewed, as the fabrication of biomimetically suitable tissues is necessary to replicate function and ensure graft survival in vivo. Immunological considerations are of particular importance as engineered tissues are frequently of allogeneic, if not xenogeneic, origin. Discussed are various scaffold-free approaches for musculoskeletal cartilage tissue engineering, such as cell sheet engineering, aggregation, and the self-assembling process, as well as the availability and variety of cells used. Scaffold-free approaches, particularly the self-assembling process, mimic elements of developmental processes underlying these tissues. Musculoskeletal cartilages –for example articular cartilage, meniscus, temporomandibular joint disc, and intervertebral disc – are characterized by low vascularity and cellularity, and are amenable to scaffold-free tissue engineering approaches. This review explores scaffold-free methods as an additional paradigm for tissue engineering. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |